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<title>An Unexpected Party: Military Preparedness and “The Hobbit”</title>
<link>https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/26/an-unexpected-party-military-preparedness-and-the-hobbit/</link>
<comments>https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/26/an-unexpected-party-military-preparedness-and-the-hobbit/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Gnerphk]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 26 Apr 2024 17:31:00 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Logistics Guides]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[defense]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Prepare]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[resources]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[SDSF]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[starbase]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[unexpected]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://planetsmagazine.com/?p=15393</guid>
<description><![CDATA[On this date in the year 2941 of the Third Age, a staid and conservative hobbit named Bilbo Baggins was startled to discover a strange dwarf on his doorstep, one fully expecting his hospitality. Hopefully all of you are familiar … <a href="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/26/an-unexpected-party-military-preparedness-and-the-hobbit/">Continue reading →</a>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
On this date in the year 2941 of the Third Age, a staid and conservative hobbit named Bilbo Baggins was startled to discover a strange dwarf on his doorstep, one fully expecting his hospitality.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img width="474" height="213" data-attachment-id="15396" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/26/an-unexpected-party-military-preparedness-and-the-hobbit/dwalin/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/04/dwalin.jpg" data-orig-size="474,213" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="dwalin" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/04/dwalin.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/04/dwalin.jpg?w=474" src="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/04/dwalin.jpg?w=474" alt="" class="wp-image-15396" srcset="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/04/dwalin.jpg 474w, https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/04/dwalin.jpg?w=150 150w, https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/04/dwalin.jpg?w=300 300w" sizes="(max-width: 474px) 100vw, 474px" /></figure>

Hopefully all of you are familiar with the story, though in truth you don’t need to be in order to enjoy its lessons. I’ll recount the events either way.
Now, Bilbo was raised well, and while he didn’t understand what was going on, nevertheless he invited in his unexpected guest, seated him at his table, and fed him. Any of us could likely do the same if pressed; one guest sharing our meal might be a strain, but a host can go short in time of need.
But it wasn’t just one guest. Another appeared on his heels, and then two more, and more followed. Soon, his cozy hobbit-hole was filled to overflowing, with a party unlike any ever seen there before — thirteen dwarves and a wizard, all told, and the wizard the only one that had been invited (and Bilbo had forgotten even him).
And yet there was food for all, with eggs and pickles and cold chicken, fresh-baked seed-cake, biscuits, tea and wine and beer.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img width="790" height="329" data-attachment-id="15399" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/26/an-unexpected-party-military-preparedness-and-the-hobbit/feast/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/04/feast.jpg" data-orig-size="790,329" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="feast" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/04/feast.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/04/feast.jpg?w=584" src="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/04/feast.jpg?w=790" alt="" class="wp-image-15399" srcset="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/04/feast.jpg 790w, https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/04/feast.jpg?w=150 150w, https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/04/feast.jpg?w=300 300w, https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/04/feast.jpg?w=768 768w" sizes="(max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px" /></figure>
It had never entered Bilbo’s mind before that he might be called on to entertain Thorin and Company, but when it came to pass, he managed all right. How? He was prepared, with a full larder, copious supplies, and a stockpile of necessities.
It’s not the expected that he was prepared for, but rather the unexpected. One puts by pickles in advance when one has an excess of fresh vegetables so that, when food is needed, it’s there. The same goes for salting hams, drying fruit, potting meat, and so on.
But how does this translate to Planets? You may well ask. And yet, a very little thought should give you the answer: Prepare for the unknown, and you’ll never fall short.
The time may come when a rogue Rebel decides, out of the blue, to drop Falcons all across your empire to RGA. Well: do you have guns on your Merlins? Are they sitting on your homeworld and major bases anyway? Why NOT have them set to PE Rebel, just in case? And what about those crap-tastic Tech 5 minelayers you popped out early in the game just so you’d have -something-? Do they have anything else to do?
One of my own strategies in most games is to spam defensive starbases throughout my empire, spreading colonists to each as soon as practicable, so that by mid-game I’ve got a dozen worlds each with a population of a million and more. Some of the bases are well-defended and others aren’t, but you can be sure that there are resources around (and often SDSFs) such that, in a very few turns, the entire front and second line can be mobilized with some very nasty surprises in store for any would-be attacker. Copious colonists means that very few ground assaults can possibly succeed, even from Lizards.
No invasion should ever be painless, much less profitable, for the attacker, not if you’re at all prepared.
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
The Second Unexpected Party
There’s another lesson here, one you might not have noticed, and it comes from the second Unexpected Party in the book. Yes, there was one.
When the Company descends on Beorn all uninvited, Gandalf repeats his earlier tactic. Rather than overwhelm his targeted host all at once, he appears with a respectable companion, looking quite harmless. Then, at set intervals, up pop extra dwarves two at a time, each pair unexpected, keeping Beorn off-balance, and each slightly changing the story. After a short while, he finds himself with fifteen guests to feed — uninvited guests, mind you, and at an isolated steading in the harsh wilderness.
In boxing and fighter formations, this is known as the “razzle-dazzle”: Keep throwing punches rapidly at unexpected targets, often the face, in order to keep your opponent on his heels. Before long, he can find himself entirely overwhelmed. If you’ve been politely conversing with him all along, you’ll have laid the foundation for a diplomatic solution that can leave a former opponent with little choice but to support you — or else he might easily find himself without freighters, bases, or colonies.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img width="575" height="291" data-attachment-id="15403" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/26/an-unexpected-party-military-preparedness-and-the-hobbit/beorns/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/04/beorns.jpg" data-orig-size="575,291" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="beorns" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/04/beorns.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/04/beorns.jpg?w=575" src="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/04/beorns.jpg?w=575" alt="" class="wp-image-15403" srcset="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/04/beorns.jpg 575w, https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/04/beorns.jpg?w=150 150w, https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/04/beorns.jpg?w=300 300w" sizes="(max-width: 575px) 100vw, 575px" /></figure>
You can see, I’m sure, that this isn’t just a matter of the element of surprise, but rather of being able to properly exploit it. Anyone can conquer, but it takes hard work and a great deal of planning to convert an enemy into a friend.
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
Any Planets Magazine readers who are interested in supporting Gnerphk’s writing can donate directly <a href="https://www.patreon.com/gnerphk">at Patreon</a>.
As always, you can make <a href="http://paypal.me/PlanetsMag">a PayPal donation</a> to support the Planets Magazine, or click the button below to Buy Us A Coffee. It’s always a fun boost for our morale.
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Fine print: “The Hobbit”, by J.R.R. Tolkien, is the source of most of the quotes, just as the cinematic masterpiece of the same name and origin is the source of the pictures.
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<item>
<title>Blitzed</title>
<link>https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/</link>
<comments>https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[talespin]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 19 Apr 2024 18:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Game Formats]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[starmap]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Blitz Game]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Blitz]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Championship Games]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Map]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[League]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[2v2]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[1v1]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[map generator]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[fairness]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://planetsmagazine.com/?p=13521</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Opinion Blitz matches are fun, right? They sound like they should be a relaxing smash-n-grab and an uber-lovely romp through a field of mines and artillery explosions. On a tiny map, two players face off against each other. They are … <a href="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/">Continue reading →</a>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
Opinion
Blitz matches are fun, right? They sound like they should be a relaxing smash-n-grab and an uber-lovely romp through a field of mines and artillery explosions. On a tiny map, two players face off against each other. They are without diplomatic options, all alone against their enemy, bracing their armies for quick and deadly combat. Ships are blindly launched into contested territory, and each captain instills a silly hope in his crew that, “This is our moment of glory, boys.” It seems like it should be a short and joy-filled experience. Make a few superb manoeuvres, and you’ve got ‘im! If you are into Planets combat, it is definitely a good time, but there is also a dark side to the Blitz format. Since these types of games score League teams big points in Nu‘s new road to the championship, these head-to-heads deserve a bit of scrutiny. After all, isn’t winning a champ game the most important thing in the Echo Cluster?
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" width="735" height="351" data-attachment-id="15287" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/blitzkriegcomic/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/blitzkriegcomic.png" data-orig-size="735,351" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="blitzkriegcomic" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/blitzkriegcomic.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/blitzkriegcomic.png?w=584" src="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/blitzkriegcomic.png?w=735" alt="" class="wp-image-15287" srcset="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/blitzkriegcomic.png 735w, https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/blitzkriegcomic.png?w=150 150w, https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/blitzkriegcomic.png?w=300 300w" sizes="(max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">WWII DC comic</figcaption></figure>

<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
When a commander joins a 1v1 Blitz Planets match, he wants a map that gives both players an equal opportunity to win. While it can be thrilling to fight against the odds, more often than not, it is a waste of time and energy. All players have a finite amount of the aforementioned “human” resources, so they do not want theirs drained by a game that sets them up to lose before the first turn has hosted. This nightmare is frequently realised as the Nu map generator tends to give one player more planets than the other, or it places planets very close to one player’s homeworld but far from the opponent’s.
In 2v2 matches, this problem is exacerbated. When partners join a team Blitz, they also want a balanced map. More specifically, players need their teammate’s homeworld to be placed in a position that is as beneficial as all the others. Each player requires an even number of resource planets and to be positioned equally-distant from all other players. Instead, we see homeworlds in the middle of the map and bunched up planet clusters giving one team a huge advantage over the other. There is no room for error in a 4-player Blitz, so the chances of winning a game with a Turn-1 imbalance are very low.
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots" />
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Planet count imbalance</h2>
<div data-carousel-extra='{"blog_id":182224657,"permalink":"https:\/\/planetsmagazine.com\/2024\/04\/19\/blitzed\/"}' class="wp-block-jetpack-tiled-gallery aligncenter"><div class="is-style-rectangular"><div class="tiled-gallery__gallery"><div class="tiled-gallery__row"><div class="tiled-gallery__col" style="flex-basis:58.84932%"><figure class="tiled-gallery__item"><img data-attachment-id="13539" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/1v1blitz2022/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/1v1blitz2022.png" data-orig-size="684,475" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="1v1blitz2022" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/1v1blitz2022.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/1v1blitz2022.png?w=584" data-attachment-id="13539" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/1v1blitz2022/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/1v1blitz2022.png" data-orig-size="684,475" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="1v1blitz2022" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/1v1blitz2022.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/1v1blitz2022.png?w=584" srcset="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/1v1blitz2022.png?strip=info&w=600 600w,https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/1v1blitz2022.png?strip=info&w=684 684w" alt="" data-height="475" data-id="13539" data-link="https://planetsmagazine.com/?attachment_id=13539" data-url="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/1v1blitz2022.png?w=684" data-width="684" src="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/1v1blitz2022.png" /></figure></div><div class="tiled-gallery__col" style="flex-basis:41.15068%"><figure class="tiled-gallery__item"><img data-attachment-id="13540" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/2v2blitz2022/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2v2blitz2022.png" data-orig-size="741,737" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="2v2blitz2022" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2v2blitz2022.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2v2blitz2022.png?w=584" data-attachment-id="13540" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/2v2blitz2022/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2v2blitz2022.png" data-orig-size="741,737" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="2v2blitz2022" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2v2blitz2022.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2v2blitz2022.png?w=584" srcset="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2v2blitz2022.png?strip=info&w=600 600w,https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2v2blitz2022.png?strip=info&w=741 741w" alt="" data-height="737" data-id="13540" data-link="https://planetsmagazine.com/?attachment_id=13540" data-url="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2v2blitz2022.png?w=741" data-width="741" src="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2v2blitz2022.png" /></figure></div></div></div></div></div>
The above examples were games I played in the 2023 League season. The left was a 1v1, and the match on the right was a 2v2. For the left, my opponent’s half of the map contained 11 planets which were all close together. From the starting blocks, I was at a disadvantage and had an uphill battle. I scraped together a victory, but only because I was the Crystals and immediately threw webs up in enemy territory, giving myself time to expand. Most other races would struggle to do this. It is very clear that my opponnent started with an advantageous position.
For the team game on the right, our opponents had one homeworld positioned in the centre of the map. To make matters worse, the centre race was the Robots. In the blink of an eye, the entire map was covered in minefields while the Bot’s Lizard teammate hid in behind and built up power. Their half of the map contained 14 planets and ours had about 10. I will give you one guess on how this battle unfolded. It was most definitely decided before Turn 2.
Was this just me and my bad luck? Definitely not. Below are a collection of images which show the divisions of many games from the 2023 League season.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Planet clustering</h2>
<div data-carousel-extra='{"blog_id":182224657,"permalink":"https:\/\/planetsmagazine.com\/2024\/04\/19\/blitzed\/"}' class="wp-block-jetpack-tiled-gallery aligncenter"><div class="is-style-rectangular"><div class="tiled-gallery__gallery"><div class="tiled-gallery__row"><div class="tiled-gallery__col" style="flex-basis:64.42812%"><figure class="tiled-gallery__item"><img data-attachment-id="13522" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/blitz7/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz7.png" data-orig-size="576,532" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="blitz7" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz7.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz7.png?w=576" data-attachment-id="13522" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/blitz7/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz7.png" data-orig-size="576,532" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="blitz7" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz7.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz7.png?w=576" srcset="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz7.png?strip=info&w=576 576w" alt="" data-height="532" data-id="13522" data-link="https://planetsmagazine.com/?attachment_id=13522" data-url="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz7.png?w=576" data-width="576" src="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz7.png" /></figure></div><div class="tiled-gallery__col" style="flex-basis:35.57188%"><figure class="tiled-gallery__item"><img data-attachment-id="13523" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/blitz6/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz6.png" data-orig-size="671,578" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="blitz6" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz6.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz6.png?w=584" data-attachment-id="13523" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/blitz6/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz6.png" data-orig-size="671,578" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="blitz6" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz6.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz6.png?w=584" srcset="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz6.png?strip=info&w=600 600w,https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz6.png?strip=info&w=671 671w" alt="" data-height="578" data-id="13523" data-link="https://planetsmagazine.com/?attachment_id=13523" data-url="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz6.png?w=671" data-width="671" src="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz6.png" /></figure><figure class="tiled-gallery__item"><img data-attachment-id="13524" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/blitz5/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz5.png" data-orig-size="693,555" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="blitz5" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz5.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz5.png?w=584" data-attachment-id="13524" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/blitz5/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz5.png" data-orig-size="693,555" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="blitz5" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz5.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz5.png?w=584" srcset="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz5.png?strip=info&w=600 600w,https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz5.png?strip=info&w=693 693w" alt="" data-height="555" data-id="13524" data-link="https://planetsmagazine.com/?attachment_id=13524" data-url="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz5.png?w=693" data-width="693" src="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz5.png" /></figure></div></div><div class="tiled-gallery__row"><div class="tiled-gallery__col" style="flex-basis:25.70662%"><figure class="tiled-gallery__item"><img data-attachment-id="13525" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/blitz4/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz4.png" data-orig-size="663,553" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="blitz4" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz4.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz4.png?w=584" data-attachment-id="13525" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/blitz4/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz4.png" data-orig-size="663,553" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="blitz4" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz4.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz4.png?w=584" srcset="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz4.png?strip=info&w=600 600w,https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz4.png?strip=info&w=663 663w" alt="" data-height="553" data-id="13525" data-link="https://planetsmagazine.com/?attachment_id=13525" data-url="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz4.png?w=663" data-width="663" src="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz4.png" /></figure></div><div class="tiled-gallery__col" style="flex-basis:27.14259%"><figure class="tiled-gallery__item"><img data-attachment-id="13526" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/blitz3/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz3.png" data-orig-size="637,503" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="blitz3" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz3.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz3.png?w=584" data-attachment-id="13526" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/blitz3/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz3.png" data-orig-size="637,503" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="blitz3" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz3.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz3.png?w=584" srcset="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz3.png?strip=info&w=600 600w,https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz3.png?strip=info&w=637 637w" alt="" data-height="503" data-id="13526" data-link="https://planetsmagazine.com/?attachment_id=13526" data-url="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz3.png?w=637" data-width="637" src="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz3.png" /></figure></div><div class="tiled-gallery__col" style="flex-basis:23.97063%"><figure class="tiled-gallery__item"><img data-attachment-id="13527" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/blitz1/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz1.png" data-orig-size="619,554" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="blitz1" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz1.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz1.png?w=584" data-attachment-id="13527" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/blitz1/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz1.png" data-orig-size="619,554" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="blitz1" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz1.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz1.png?w=584" srcset="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz1.png?strip=info&w=600 600w,https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz1.png?strip=info&w=619 619w" alt="" data-height="554" data-id="13527" data-link="https://planetsmagazine.com/?attachment_id=13527" data-url="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz1.png?w=619" data-width="619" src="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz1.png" /></figure></div><div class="tiled-gallery__col" style="flex-basis:23.18015%"><figure class="tiled-gallery__item"><img data-attachment-id="13529" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/blitz2/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz2.png" data-orig-size="485,449" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="blitz2" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz2.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz2.png?w=485" data-attachment-id="13529" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/blitz2/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz2.png" data-orig-size="485,449" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="blitz2" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz2.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz2.png?w=485" srcset="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz2.png?strip=info&w=485 485w" alt="" data-height="449" data-id="13529" data-link="https://planetsmagazine.com/?attachment_id=13529" data-url="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz2.png?w=485" data-width="485" src="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/blitz2.png" /></figure></div></div></div></div></div>
In the above maps, I highlighted an issue with planet clustering by adding white circles. The smaller whites encircle the planets within range of a Warp 7 jump, and the larger encompass planets which can be reached in one turn with Warp 9 engines.
Warp 7 engines do not require a Tech 10 upgrade, so they save a commander a lot of cash. If your planets are all less than 50 LYs apart, you can dominate your side of the map with only Quantum Drive 7s. However, if the majority of your planet connections are up to 81.5 LYs, you have no option but to spend the money to upgrade to Tech 10 engines. To add to the extra megacredit cost, Transwarp Drives cost extra molybdenum, a resource that is scarce and commonly decides the fate of Blitz matches. You don’t need to do much math to figure out how a tighter planet cluster gives an advantage to one side.
Beyond money, there are other disadvantages. If you do not equip ships with engines that can effieciently make one-turn planet hops, you end up moving too slowly. Blitz battle unfolds quickly, and you cannot afford to lose time on that extra turn to reach the next planet. Fuel consumption compounds this issue. To make up for lost time, you are forced to overdrive your engines and burn extra neutronium. While this works for the early part of the game and can be countered with alchemy ships or lucky resource finds, it is a weakness that can be exploited, or it can hurt you without your opponent lifting a finger.
What these maps and white circles prove is that many Blitz maps cluster planets in one opponent’s favour. We all know what happens when your opponent can quickly access the majority of planets and save money on engines.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Homeworld Positions in 2v2 Blitzes</h2>
Similar problems occur with 2v2 starmaps, as you can see in the following screenshots:
<div data-carousel-extra='{"blog_id":182224657,"permalink":"https:\/\/planetsmagazine.com\/2024\/04\/19\/blitzed\/"}' class="wp-block-jetpack-tiled-gallery aligncenter"><div class="is-style-rectangular"><div class="tiled-gallery__gallery"><div class="tiled-gallery__row"><div class="tiled-gallery__col" style="flex-basis:67.22423%"><figure class="tiled-gallery__item"><img data-attachment-id="13531" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/2blitz3/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2blitz3.png" data-orig-size="563,444" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="2blitz3" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2blitz3.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2blitz3.png?w=563" data-attachment-id="13531" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/2blitz3/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2blitz3.png" data-orig-size="563,444" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="2blitz3" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2blitz3.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2blitz3.png?w=563" srcset="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2blitz3.png?strip=info&w=563 563w" alt="" data-height="444" data-id="13531" data-link="https://planetsmagazine.com/?attachment_id=13531" data-url="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2blitz3.png?w=563" data-width="563" src="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2blitz3.png" /></figure></div><div class="tiled-gallery__col" style="flex-basis:32.77577%"><figure class="tiled-gallery__item"><img data-attachment-id="13533" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/2blitz1/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2blitz1.png" data-orig-size="540,426" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="2blitz1" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2blitz1.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2blitz1.png?w=540" data-attachment-id="13533" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/2blitz1/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2blitz1.png" data-orig-size="540,426" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="2blitz1" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2blitz1.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2blitz1.png?w=540" srcset="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2blitz1.png?strip=info&w=540 540w" alt="" data-height="426" data-id="13533" data-link="https://planetsmagazine.com/?attachment_id=13533" data-url="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2blitz1.png?w=540" data-width="540" src="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2blitz1.png" /></figure><figure class="tiled-gallery__item"><img data-attachment-id="13535" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/2blitz2-1/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2blitz2-1.png" data-orig-size="833,682" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="2blitz2-1" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2blitz2-1.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2blitz2-1.png?w=584" data-attachment-id="13535" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/2blitz2-1/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2blitz2-1.png" data-orig-size="833,682" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="2blitz2-1" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2blitz2-1.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2blitz2-1.png?w=584" srcset="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2blitz2-1.png?strip=info&w=600 600w,https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2blitz2-1.png?strip=info&w=833 833w" alt="" data-height="682" data-id="13535" data-link="https://planetsmagazine.com/?attachment_id=13535" data-url="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2blitz2-1.png?w=833" data-width="833" src="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/2blitz2-1.png" /></figure></div></div></div></div></div>
These images depict the same problems as 1v1s: too many planets near one team and distance between planets giving one team an engine advantage. These maps also prove another problem which compounds the first two: the issue of placing one team’s homeworlds in a front-back position. One player’s homeworld is positioned directly in the middle of the map, while their partner is tucked safely behind them. While the front position might seem vulnerable, it usually acts as a shield for the back race to grow in power and a wedge to disrupt opponent movement and cooperation. In dramatic fashion, this set up throws off the entire balance of the game, and often the team not stacked does quite poorly as they are far more vulnerable and limited in how they can expand.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The same problems persist</h2>
This article has been on ice for a year. I waited till 2024 to revisit this, and it looks like this still has not been changed for this season’s League Blitzes. In the images below, you can see 1v1 and 2v2 matches displayed, and the same issues persist.
<div data-carousel-extra='{"blog_id":182224657,"permalink":"https:\/\/planetsmagazine.com\/2024\/04\/19\/blitzed\/"}' class="wp-block-jetpack-tiled-gallery aligncenter"><div class="is-style-rectangular"><div class="tiled-gallery__gallery"><div class="tiled-gallery__row"><div class="tiled-gallery__col" style="flex-basis:100.00000%"><figure class="tiled-gallery__item"><img data-attachment-id="15277" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/2024blitz1-2/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/2024blitz1-2.png" data-orig-size="796,370" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="2024blitz1-2" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/2024blitz1-2.png?w=300" 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data-link="https://planetsmagazine.com/?attachment_id=15277" data-url="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/2024blitz1-2.png?w=796" data-width="796" src="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/2024blitz1-2.png" /></figure></div></div><div class="tiled-gallery__row"><div class="tiled-gallery__col" style="flex-basis:61.55407%"><figure class="tiled-gallery__item"><img data-attachment-id="15279" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/2024blitz2/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/2024blitz2.png" data-orig-size="1042,535" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="2024blitz2" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/2024blitz2.png?w=300" 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600w,https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/2024blitz3.png?strip=info&w=745 745w" alt="" data-height="454" data-id="15281" data-link="https://planetsmagazine.com/?attachment_id=15281" data-url="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/2024blitz3.png?w=745" data-width="745" src="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/2024blitz3.png" /></figure></div><div class="tiled-gallery__col" style="flex-basis:34.66608%"><figure class="tiled-gallery__item"><img data-attachment-id="15282" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/2024blitz4/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/2024blitz4.png" data-orig-size="757,412" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="2024blitz4" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" 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600w,https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/2024blitz4.png?strip=info&w=757 757w" alt="" data-height="412" data-id="15282" data-link="https://planetsmagazine.com/?attachment_id=15282" data-url="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/2024blitz4.png?w=757" data-width="757" src="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/2024blitz4.png" /></figure></div><div class="tiled-gallery__col" style="flex-basis:34.34195%"><figure class="tiled-gallery__item"><img data-attachment-id="15283" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/04/19/blitzed/2024blitz5/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/2024blitz5.png" data-orig-size="708,389" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="2024blitz5" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" 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600w,https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/2024blitz5.png?strip=info&w=708 708w" alt="" data-height="389" data-id="15283" data-link="https://planetsmagazine.com/?attachment_id=15283" data-url="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/2024blitz5.png?w=708" data-width="708" src="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/2024blitz5.png" /></figure></div></div></div></div></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Changes need to be made</h2>
These map imbalances are too common, especially for a Planets format which already advantages certain races over others. Some changes need to be made.
To set up a balanced Blitz, the number of planets should be evenly divided between the two races. Each player should find the same number of planets within 49 light years and between 81 and 162 light years. One player should not be forced to upgrade to Tech 10 engines while the other benefits from no upgrade; likewise, one player cannot be blessed with the majority of the resources.
2v2s matches should experience similarly balanced planet distribution, and each player should be placed in their own quadrant, having an equal ‘piece of the pie.’ Both teams should have an equal opportunity to cooperate.
Regarding planet clustering, it would be fine to have a few randomly distributed planets to fight over. And alternatively, a match could have a more exciting feel to it if the majority of planets would land approximately equidistant between both homeworlds. With a clump of planets in the middle, the map generator would create a treasure trove of resources over which both empires would be forced to compete. Both commanders would need to make calculated choices and smart fleet movements to gain extra resources.
As a completely new format, it would be interesting to see Blitzes where minerals are overstocked on the homeworld and scarce on other planets. This would require a less economic approach that instead focused on military manoeuvres and logistics.
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
From 2023, three 2v2 matches were seriously imbalanced in favour of one team. Of elven 1v1 matches, seven experienced the same map lopsidedness. So far, in 2024, the majority of 2v2s and 1v1s continue to be imbalanced. This is a problem.
Personally, I would like to see Nu create a collection of 30-50 handcrafted Blitz starmaps, which would be randomly selected for each match. As it is now, the Nu map generator sometimes creates a generally balanced map and all is as it should be, but more often than not, the imbalance rears its ugly head and creates a nightmare situation for one side. In these dismally-uphill battles, victory can still be achieved, but only with luck and risky aggressiveness. Balanced starmaps would create 1v1s and 2v2s where player choices make the difference, not planet distribution or homeworld position.
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
If you wish to support me on my writer’s journey, please join <a href="https://www.patreon.com/rsoxley">my Patreon</a>.
Thanks for reading. – TS
As always, you can make <a href="http://paypal.me/PlanetsMag">a PayPal donation</a> to support Planets Magazine, or click the button below to Buy Us A Coffee. It is always a fun boost for our morale.
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<title>In Defense Of Classic</title>
<link>https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/03/22/in-defense-of-classic/</link>
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<dc:creator><![CDATA[Gnerphk]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 Mar 2024 19:47:09 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Editorials]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Classic]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://planetsmagazine.com/?p=15212</guid>
<description><![CDATA[EDITORIAL I suppose it’s remotely possible that someone, somewhere might be unaware that I’m a fan of Classic Planets. Perhaps they managed to miss the Classic Invitational tournaments we’ve hosted under the auspices of the Planets Mag. Maybe they didn’t … <a href="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/03/22/in-defense-of-classic/">Continue reading →</a>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">EDITORIAL</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" width="472" height="423" data-attachment-id="14835" data-permalink="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/01/12/a-quick-and-dirty-guide-to-the-classic-queue/vgap/" data-orig-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/01/vgap.jpg" data-orig-size="472,423" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="VGAP" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/01/vgap.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/01/vgap.jpg?w=472" src="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/01/vgap.jpg?w=472" alt="" class="wp-image-14835" srcset="https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/01/vgap.jpg 472w, https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/01/vgap.jpg?w=150 150w, https://planetsmag.files.wordpress.com/2024/01/vgap.jpg?w=300 300w" sizes="(max-width: 472px) 100vw, 472px" /></figure>
I suppose it’s remotely possible that someone, somewhere might be unaware that I’m a fan of Classic Planets.

Perhaps they managed to miss the Classic Invitational tournaments we’ve hosted under the auspices of the Planets Mag. Maybe they didn’t happen to notice the dozens of articles we’ve produced about Classic play, featuring advice for winning in Classic, including but not limited to the recent Guide to the Classic Queue. It’s even within the realm of probability that they’re functionally illiterate — in which case this article will likely pass them by without even a faint flutter of recognition.
They’re also likely to lose their next game, so you’ll forgive me if I don’t care.
The rest of you already know that I love Classic play. Sure, it does tend to bog down into a long depressing slog after the fast-paced beginning, but that’s only if you aren’t very good at it. As I said, we’ve published a lot of articles about how to win, and if you don’t read them you have only yourself to blame.
Admittedly, there are some races, like the Empire, that find it difficult to recover after a bad start, or like the Robots, which can’t win without significant outside assistance. That’s all true and well worth discussing. But, in fairness, they’re both seriously screwed in Standard and Campaign too, so that’s not a strike against Classic play. Besides, that leaves nine other factions, each of which has a solid chance at achieving victory.
Let me tell you what Classic doesn’t suffer from:
<ul>
<li>The queue doesn’t change every fifteen minutes, leaving you confused about what might build when. No, this puppy’s been around since 1990 or so. It ain’t changing. If you’re confused, it’s your own damn fault.</li>
<li>The sectors are larger than 180 planets, which means the Privateers aren’t likely to win outright. There will be a battle, a contest of skill. They may still beat you, but on the other hand Blacklung might be playing them.</li>
<li>A healthy empire doesn’t just spontaneously die because the game’s gone on too long. In Classic, you can survive indefinitely with a single ship. You don’t even need a planet. Oh, sure, you can hand that ship off whenever you like, but if you’re all-consumed with a wish for vengeance, you can exercise that spite forever.</li>
<li>Wimps. If you can’t take a long game, survive without a pre-game alliance, or endure an assault by an overwhelming coalition, you won’t last in Classic. It’s for the tough, the enduring, the players willing to resist change tooth and nail for thirty-five years.</li>
<li>Horwasp. Damn psychic bugs! They’re under my skin again! BASTARDS! DIEDIEDIEDIE</li>
</ul>
Don’t get me wrong: There’s a place for innovation in this game, and that place is called Standard. If you don’t like it, nobody’s forcing you to keep playing.
In fact, that’s exactly why Classic is still here and even thriving after all these years.
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
If you’d be interested in testing your mettle against top-level Classic players, mention it in the Feed Comments at Planets Nu. Someone may well be in touch.
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Any Planets Magazine readers who are interested in supporting Gnerphk’s writing can donate directly <a href="https://www.patreon.com/gnerphk">at Patreon</a>.
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<title>How to Fight Horwasp – as Crystal</title>
<link>https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/03/15/how-to-fight-horwasp-as-crystal/</link>
<comments>https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/03/15/how-to-fight-horwasp-as-crystal/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Koski]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 15 Mar 2024 20:33:54 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[The Horwasp]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[crystal]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Horwasp]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[strategy]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://planetsmagazine.com/?p=15170</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The one race least capable of fighting the Horwasp is the Crystalline. Because pods are immune to webs yet minesweep automatically every turn, they can easily sweep your webs. Horwasp warships outmatch your own in battle. The Privateer can’t fight … <a href="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/03/15/how-to-fight-horwasp-as-crystal/">Continue reading →</a>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
The one race least capable of fighting the Horwasp is the Crystalline. Because pods are immune to webs yet minesweep automatically every turn, they can easily sweep your webs. Horwasp warships outmatch your own in battle. The Privateer can’t fight them either, but at least they’re effective at robbing them dry. But what can you do?

It’s a bit like being the Evil Empire and being attacked by the Privateer. You will be the underdog in every scenario and most likely need help to overcome your foe.
But in this article, let’s focus on one special situation: you start as the Crystalline and your next-door neighbour is an aggressive Horwasp. How can you survive to the middle of the game, get a decent economy, and buy yourself time to marshal help to kill the bug?
(First, of course, the most important thing is to <a href="https://planetsmagazine.com/2021/10/08/commander-koskis-anti-horwasp-guide-aka-sir-mf/">do my SIR MF</a>. But this article is in addition.)
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Take the Initiative</h2>
It’s easy for the Crystalline to hold occupied territory. It’s hard for the Crystalline to defeat an entrenched defense. Because of this my playbook for Crystalline entails this: always take the initiative, be there first.
An excellent tool for this is the Emerald, which can be built on the first turn and which can also function as an economy-building freighter. The Emerald is an excellent aggressor which can take all planets early on (those without starbases) and defeats competing light scouts and HYP ships.
Your objective is to take enough elbow room so you have at least 162-240 ly distance to your homeworld. When you spot the gnat, announce your find to others and ask for immediate help. Don’t be afraid to ask for more than you need! You might get that – neighbouring the Horwasp can be a great boon.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Small Webs in the Void</h2>
Another item in my playbook is small webs. Always in enemy territory, lay small webs. Lay them on planets, between planets, and on into the void as you move. Webs can’t be counter-mined, so each web requires one ship to waste one turn to sweep it. If laid smartly behind each other overlapping OR side by side without overlapping, no two webs can be swept with one ship in one turn.
The idea of small webs is also their awesome cheap price – 10 mk4 torps, and with FC mdq you can lay those 2-1 torp webs – if on a ship route, it’s a pain. Best place for webs is in the void between planets. You as the Crystalline are weak in and on planets and the enemy can get fuel etc. there. You are strongest in the voids of space, so you want the web action take place there. Be there first so you can decide the place of action is in the voids.
Have something small, like an Opal, in front of the Horwasp warships, laying a web on the route, with the web’s edge just about 1ly in front of the warship. It’s pretty safe, as the warships are slow.
But what about pods? Well, you can do something very tedious: to paint pod sweeping spots to the map.
In the beginning, the Horwasp can’t build Accelerators, since they are very expensive. He also won’t want to go warp 9 by overpowering engines, as fuel is scarce — but also because the enemy wants to sweep as much as he can, so he wants to move slow.
So the pods will be launched from planets to your planets, moving warp 6. Webs need to be swept inside the webs. So you use the measuring tool and drawing tools and mark the locations where the pods can be when launched from the planets. I would draw circles around the planets, increasing each turn by 36ly. Then draw direct lines from his planets to your destination planets, and then mark the spots to the map and after that close the views for the circles and the lines. 
Then you can lay those small webs everywhere, just as long as you don’t touch those spots with the webs.
Also, remember a very important point – Pods have a very high ID of over 1000. So you can ALWAYS scoop the webs away before the pods sweep, if the Stingers or other pods are there.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pod Control and Fortresses</h2>
With small webs you can slow Horwasp warship movement to a crawl, but pods can still reach you. Read my <a href="https://planetsmagazine.com/2023/09/08/sting-no-more/">Sting no more! article</a>. Equip your alchemy ships with heavy blasters. Build up all worlds, at least drop 100 clans on each so no ground assault splash damage hurts you. But all this is just a side track to let you continue your economic building: with enemy warships stuck in the void you can keep on developing your pre-shiplimit economy.
It helps a lot if you can see the pods launch so you can plan accordingly, so you need to have picket ships close to enemy lines. Best are Rubies or Opals which also lay small webs all the time, dropping back now and then to scoop from a bigger web laid behind them. Remember, Stingers have always very high ID so you can always scoop before they sweep.
Mites might become problematic when close to Horwasp planets – use pairs of ships which zig-zag, this reveals the mites and you can use each to intercept the mite intercepting the other.
Against enemy warships your best defense is a starbase. It doesn’t need to be full of fighters, even 20 will do a lot of destruction. But you need starbases anyway, so build those starbases en masse for priority points and be prepared to equip some fighters there.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to really annoy the bug</h2>
The bug wants to face you in battle because he can defeat your ships with his warships.
But he is very much afraid of your webs draining his ships, killing them instantly, making them vanish without even ground assault splash damage to planets. That can happen easily, especially for the most important sweeper and fighting warship, the Brood: it has only a 350 kt fuel tank and needs 900 clans for heavy phasers. So it weighs over 1000kt and has a small fuel tank. By the time it approaches you, it hasn’t got much fuel.
So how must the bug approach you? With empty ships! Coming from far away. And only just before they get to the frontline will they pick up clans for higher tech.
Build some Diamonds, but don’t fight the big bad warships at the front lines. Go past them! Go into the warpwells on the Horwasps route and hide there. At that point:
<ol>
<li>you are safe from mites,</li>
<li>you can minesweep protofields (Disruptors are enough – one protofield unit entails usually about 100 mines, 2500 at max),</li>
<li>you scan pods and see them coming,</li>
<li>you can retreat at warp 9 if he closes on you,</li>
<li>you can try to jump further deeper to the warp well of the next planet…</li>
<li>and snipe those empty warships! Or Sentries, which are sweeping with 6 heavy phasers and refueling 5kt of fuel into those empty warships moving to the front, saving fuel.</li>
</ol>
This will force the most important and most annoying thing: the enemy needs to start to guard his warships flying empty with full ones. So either a lot of those warships stay behind, far away from the front, or then he moves with full warships, wasting awfully big amounts of fuel. And for this, you need to do — nothing. Just sit there in the warpwell with minesweep on.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Snipe with Big Webs and Kamikaze</h2>
Then there is still something you can do. If the enemy warship (Jacker, Brood or Soldier) or hive runs out of fuel, it just vanishes. That can be very hard to do due heavy phasers on Broods, but Soldiers have only 3 beams and Jackers none. On the other hand, you don’t have to destroy the enemy ships at all. Just a little snipe can be enough to cripple them;
Imagine the enemy war ships are now there, in the void. Most likely they are filled with clans and thus have heavy phasers. But that means they use a lot of fuel. You might need only one web hit to a warship, and it doesn’t have enough fuel to either reach it’s destination OR return home. It becomes a stranded ship in the void, which is as good as dead.
Calculate for moments when you can temporarily grow the web greater than the enemy can sweep with the ships, maybe changing the angle so that you can hit some isolated target from the scattered ships. Warp 9 moving Emerald is more mobile than any enemy ship.
After ship limit has been hit, it’s hard for Horwasp to build new ships as they didn’t get +2 priority points from Starbases and they can’t get rbX builds. So after the ship limit, killing Horwasp warships might be prudent.
Sacrifice Diamond Flames and Crystal Thunders against his heavy phaser ships and then use big webs to drain the rest of the stack.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Then?</h2>
It is very possible for you to defend successfully. But how to attack? I see only one option: flank and lay large webs which remove all Hives – warships – defending the area. Then attack the helpless planets.
Almost every other race is better equipped to scout and fight Horwasp planets. So your best weapon is diplomacy, diplomacy, diplomacy. Prior to the ship limit, ask every tech and ship available – and afterward, join forces with others to take down the scourge.
Ion godspeed!
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<title>Sentry (part 4)</title>
<link>https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/03/03/sentry-part-4/</link>
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<dc:creator><![CDATA[Gnerphk]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sun, 03 Mar 2024 07:17:58 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Fiction]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://planetsmagazine.com/?p=14941</guid>
<description><![CDATA[For Part 1, click here. Turned out the fellows from the military did want to see it, and were pretty upset that it was no longer there to be seen. They had some sharp words for the sheriff, even after … <a href="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/03/03/sentry-part-4/">Continue reading →</a>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<a href="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/02/10/sentry-part-1/">For Part 1, click here.</a>
Turned out the fellows from the military did want to see it, and were pretty upset that it was no longer there to be seen.
They had some sharp words for the sheriff, even after he explained, reasonably, that there didn’t seem to be much they could have done to stop it “except get runned over maybe.”

Eventually, they all gave up and went on about their own business, leaving the old farmer alone to clean up as best he could. He sorted the broken brick from the whole, and swept up around the piles. Then he ate and went to bed.
The next morning he sat a while and stared at the sorted bricks and the rough hole in the side wall, thinking. After a bit he went into town for supplies, then came back and started repairs.
First thing he did was plug the long hole that had been bored through the front wall, replacing the entire brick. Bugs had got in the night before and he had no wish to repeat the experience.
With that essential task finished, he began on the gap in the side wall, squaring it off as best he could with mortar and bits of broken masonry. He then lined it with a rectangular wooden frame, then built a second frame, slightly smaller, that fit neatly inside the first. This he braced on the back and then filled with well-mortared brick, attaching the two frames with heavy hinges.
When he was done he swung the whole thing open and shut a few times to make sure it would move freely, then nodded and put his tools away.
That night he left the front door unlatched.
Near dawn he woke to find the pottery man looming over him. He blinked, muttered “Quiet sort, ain’t’cha?” The flowerpot head continued to keep its own counsel. The farmer grunted. Then he got up, scratched himself, stepped carefully around the walking crockery, and put the kettle on.
“Read about something like you once, called it a golem. Figured you might want your room back. I guess you’ve a right to it; you been here longer’n me, after all, and I know I’d surely hate to have to move again. You don’t eat much, and you did come in mighty handy. I thank you for that.” He stopped and grinned to himself. “Anyhow, now you won’t make a mess if you should decide to step out and visit. Just take care with yer new door. Mortar ain’t dried yet.”
The old farmer went out onto the porch and sipped at his tea. After a while, a board creaked next to him. He didn’t look up.
“Be a hot one today,” he said.
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<title>INTERMISSION: Pledge Drive Update</title>
<link>https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/02/28/intermission-pledge-drive-update/</link>
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<dc:creator><![CDATA[Gnerphk]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 29 Feb 2024 00:30:24 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[humor]]></category>
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<description><![CDATA[We’re back! Hope you’ve been enjoying the show. GN: Aaaaand we’re back! Welcome one and all to the Planets Mag studios for this next installment of our annual pledge drive! I’m Gnerphk, and this is Talespin. TS: [gentle snore] GN: … <a href="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/02/28/intermission-pledge-drive-update/">Continue reading →</a>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
We’re back! Hope you’ve been enjoying the show.
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GN: Aaaaand we’re back! Welcome one and all to the Planets Mag studios for this next installment of our annual pledge drive! I’m Gnerphk, and this is Talespin.
TS: [gentle snore]
GN: Please forgive my co-host. He’s on a scheduled coffee nap. They tell me the caffeine has more kick if you sneak in an hour’s sleep just after drinking it.
TS: [less gentle snore]
GN: Well, I thought I’d give you an update on how the pledge drive has been doing. The phones, it turns out, were a bad idea, but on the other hand we’ve actually been receiving donations through electronic channels.
TS: [another snore]
GN: That’s right: coffee has been pouring right in. Now, I’m not naming names here, but three people each bought us one coffee, one got us three, one five, and one generous soul purchased ten. That’s a total of twenty-one!
TS: [slightly louder snore]
GN: Yes indeed, folks; this pledge drive is proving successful. Even after we deduct the site hosting fees and the postage for mailing the latest trophy — long overdue; sorry, Tei — we still have [checks calculator] four cups of coffee ready to drink.
TS: *SNRXXXXXXXXAAAHGKKKKXXX*
GN: And, if we divide that evenly between the two of us, by my math, that should keep us going until Friday! That’s right, people; we’ve got just enough go-juice to finish off this story!!!
TS: [silence]
GN: [more quietly] Hope I didn’t disturb him there. Now, I’ll just pour myself a cup and let you nice folks get back to… Hey! The pot’s empty again! How the heck… He’s asleep! How did he—?
TS: [sudden snore]
GN: [shakes head] Oh, well. Guess I’ll just have to be quicker next time. And now back to the story!
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Thanks for reading!
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TS: [snore]
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<title>Sentry (part 3)</title>
<link>https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/02/23/sentry-part-3/</link>
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<dc:creator><![CDATA[Gnerphk]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 23 Feb 2024 20:24:22 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Fiction]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://planetsmagazine.com/?p=14938</guid>
<description><![CDATA[For Part 1, click here. Reluctantly, the sheriff moved his investigation indoors, and tried hard to ignore the fact that the… the whatsit gave him the willies. It just stood there, apparently immobile. The thing hadn’t moved at all since … <a href="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/02/23/sentry-part-3/">Continue reading →</a>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<a href="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/02/10/sentry-part-1/">For Part 1, click here.</a>
Reluctantly, the sheriff moved his investigation indoors, and tried hard to ignore the fact that the… the whatsit gave him the willies.
It just stood there, apparently immobile. The thing hadn’t moved at all since it first emerged from its resting place inside the wall, a neat hollow behind a layer of loose-set bricks. Fact was, it didn’t look much like something that could move. It was all one piece, of fired brown pottery, glazed, and decorated with abstract swirls. There were no joints of any sort that he could see. It had no eyes, nor anything that could be properly called a face, on the squat ceramic dome that stuck out where its head ought to be.

Right now the sheriff was mainly concerned with one irregular splotch near what would be the small of its back if it were a man, something he’d noticed while peering through the hole in the wall. He scraped at it with his pocket knife, and with a faint POP it fell into his hand. It was a small disc of flattened metal. He sniffed it. More sulfur.
“I’ll have to send this in to be sure,” he said, “but I seen something like it once, long time ago when I was a fighter jockey. Come from one of them orbital defense cannon, back during the War.”
“You figure someone in orbit was shooting at me, Sheriff?” asked the farmer, one eyebrow raised in mild amusement at the unlikely thought.
“Not at you, no. Just shooting, from way the heck out in space probably years ago, and it only just happened to come down here. Freak chance. Woulda gone straight through you, if the… the flowerpot here hadn’t got in the way.”
They all looked over at the crockery figure. It continued to do nothing, and gave every appearance of keeping on doing nothing until doomsday. Nevertheless, without at all giving any sign of apprehension, each of the three men stepped back a bit. Respectfully, as one might say.
“How do you s’pose it saw the… the shot, I guess… coming? From where it was standing inside that wall, I mean.” asked the deputy quietly.
“Good question, Floyd,” said the sheriff, who had hopes for this unlikely young man and was training him along. “Couldn’t have seen, not through brick and dirt. Couldn’t have heard it neither. That bullet musta been going a decent fraction of light speed, helluva lot faster’n sound. That says to me sensors. Top end. Military.”
The farmer looked quizzically at the sheriff. “You’re telling me that thing’s some sort of robot?”
“Ehhh… yuh, guess it must be. And not one of ours, neither. Not that it matters much. Thing saved your life. Makes it okay in my book. But I guess the soldier boys will want to see it anyho—”
At that, the pottery figure moved, and faster than anyone could have imagined. It took off in a straight-legged run out through the open front door and on down the road, clattering hollowly all the while. It was out of sight in seconds. The three men were left standing in the wind from its passage, all their mouths hanging open.
“—or not,” finished the sheriff.
“Hunh,” said Floyd, awed. The sheriff nodded in agreement. Boy had a way with words.
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<title>INTERMISSION: Pledge Drive!</title>
<link>https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/02/20/intermission-pledge-drive/</link>
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<dc:creator><![CDATA[Gnerphk]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 20 Feb 2024 20:54:11 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[humor]]></category>
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<description><![CDATA[Hi! Gnerphk and Talespin here, coming to you live from the Planets Magazine broadcast studio! It’s time for our annual pledge drive, people. (I did warn you!) GN: So here’s the thing: Unlike public television or radio, the Planets Magazine doesn’t get … <a href="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/02/20/intermission-pledge-drive/">Continue reading →</a>]]></description>
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Hi! Gnerphk and Talespin here, coming to you live from the Planets Magazine broadcast studio! It’s time for our annual pledge drive, people. (I did warn you!)
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GN: So here’s the thing: Unlike public television or radio, the Planets Magazine doesn’t get funded by your tax money.
TS: Did I mention I buy my own chalk for work? Teachers don’t have chalkboards anymore, but I need something to throw at the k… Oh, sorry. Please continue.
GN: As of last week, we’d received a grand total of one (1) Coffee this year. That’s not much coffee, especially split two ways.
TS: [aside] Especially when you-know-who gets to the pot first.
GN: So I suggested, half-joking, that we ought to hold a pledge drive to help cover costs. After all, coffee ain’t cheap, especially these days.
TS: Can’t even afford phones from the 2020s.
GN: …
TS: Plus, site hosting does cost something.
GN: True that. We don’t want to go back to the bad old days of pop-up ads. Well, just after we spoke, all of a sudden, out of the blue, someone bought us five coffees!
TS: *races to grab the pot first*
GN: Well, I figured, if just talking about holding a pledge drive gets us money…
TS: Here’s where logic leaves the building. *pours one cup*
GN: …then actually doing one should make the cash come to us in buckets!
TS: *pours a second cup*
GN: *somehow glares and smiles at the same time* Well. If it ever rains Amorphous Soup, you won’t catch me outside with a fork, that’s for sure. No sirree!
TS: *looks at GN, strange expression on his face* If it rains what, now?!
GN: So I set up the old phone bank, and we’re ready to take your calls. Pledge what you can, and help keep the Planets Magazine on the air!
TS: *pours the third cup into a thermos* You know most communications technicians have never seen an actual landline telephone?!?
GN: Sure, but how can you hold an ’80s pledge drive without corded phones? Our operators are standing by, so call now!
TS: Well, at least you chose the button pushers and not the rotary versions. *pauses mid pour on the fourth cup* Wait. Don’t we get donations electronically these days?
GN: Phones run on electricity.
TS: *shakes head and pours last drops of coffee into intravenous pouch* This is so stupid…
GN: We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming, already in progress. *grabs his Planets Invitational mug and looks for the fresh pot of brew* Hey, where’s our fresh Joe?
[phone rings]
TS: *picks up a receiver, wipes off some yellowish goo around the ear piece, and listens* Hey, G, this lady wants to know if we’ll accept something called a collect call?
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As always, you can make <a href="http://paypal.me/PlanetsMag">a PayPal donation</a> to support the Planets Magazine, or click the button below to Buy Us A Coffee. It’s always a fun boost for our morale.
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Any Planets Magazine readers who are interested in supporting Gnerphk’s writing can donate directly <a href="https://www.patreon.com/gnerphk">at Patreon</a>.
And, if you want to support Talespin’s writing, donate directly to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/rsoxley">my Patreon</a>.
Thanks for reading!
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<title>Sentry (part 2)</title>
<link>https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/02/17/sentry-part-2/</link>
<comments>https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/02/17/sentry-part-2/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Gnerphk]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 17 Feb 2024 13:29:00 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Fiction]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://planetsmagazine.com/?p=14934</guid>
<description><![CDATA[For Part 1, click here. “…and when I come to, I called you, Sheriff.” The sheriff looked the part, only shorter and darker than average. (He’d been a fighter pilot during the War, and had run for office on his … <a href="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/02/17/sentry-part-2/">Continue reading →</a>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<a href="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/02/10/sentry-part-1/">For Part 1, click here.</a>
“…and when I come to, I called you, Sheriff.”
The sheriff looked the part, only shorter and darker than average. (He’d been a fighter pilot during the War, and had run for office on his record.) Since then his life had gotten a lot quieter — except for days like today, that is. Right now, he was standing on the board porch next to the farmer, hat tilted way back on his head, taking notes. “So, you heard a loud noise, and something busted through the wall. That would make a noise, all right.”

He looked in through the window at the… the something, still looming over the fireside chair. It was apparently pottery, shaped roughly like a man. If you had a man that looked like a flowerpot, he thought.
“No, Sheriff, that’s not it. ‘Twas two separate things at once’t — two noises, y’see? Bricks flying, that was one noise. T’other minded me of… Ever play stickball? When we was kids, we’d use cherry pits. Sounded like that, getting a good solid hit on a cherry pit with a flat stick.”
“…Two …separate …noises. Got it.”
“Oh, Sheriff!” That was Floyd the deputy, a clumsy young fellow who was mostly knees and elbows. His saving grace was that he was still young enough to run around looking for clues without complaining. “Reckon you’d better come see this.”
This was a cylindrical hole, about as big around as a half dollar, drilled straight through the brick front wall about a foot above eye level (two above the sheriff’s). The three men looked at it.
“New to me,” said the farmer.
The sheriff grunted, then dragged over a chair. With Floyd to help steady him, he climbed up and peered through the hole, and found himself looking straight at the pottery figure within, just as if it had been the scope on a rifle. He repeated the process from the inside looking out. This time, the sheriff saw an apparently inoffensive patch of sky. From up close, the hole smelled of sulfur. He tapped it lightly with a finger and a cascade of flakes and powdered masonry streamed down. The brick had been pulverized, and appeared only to have been holding its shape from force of habit, which his tap had put an end to.
“Hunh,” he said. That was, he felt, an adequate expression of the situation. The other two men nodded, understanding his meaning completely.
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Any Planets Magazine readers who are interested in supporting Gnerphk’s writing can donate directly <a href="https://www.patreon.com/gnerphk">at Patreon</a>.
As always, you can make <a href="http://paypal.me/PlanetsMag">a PayPal donation</a> to support the Planets Magazine, or click the button below to Buy Us A Coffee. Don’t make us do a pledge drive!
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<title>Sentry (part 1)</title>
<link>https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/02/10/sentry-part-1/</link>
<comments>https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/02/10/sentry-part-1/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Gnerphk]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 10 Feb 2024 05:19:52 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Fiction]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://planetsmagazine.com/?p=14931</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The old farmer’s face was seamed and leathery, his pale eyes deceptively mild as he sat reading peacefully by his fireplace. His first harvest from this new homestead was safely in the barn and the fields lay fallow, awaiting a … <a href="https://planetsmagazine.com/2024/02/10/sentry-part-1/">Continue reading →</a>]]></description>
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The old farmer’s face was seamed and leathery, his pale eyes deceptively mild as he sat reading peacefully by his fireplace.
His first harvest from this new homestead was safely in the barn and the fields lay fallow, awaiting a kind of winter he’d not yet seen. The War had forced him to relocate three times, and he devoutly hoped he’d never move again — never mind that it smelled funny here when it rained. The government radio broadcast said he wouldn’t have to, but that’s the kind of thing governments always say. He had his doubts. He kept them to himself.

His silence wasn’t from fear especially, but rather force of habit. The passing years had made him a man of few words. Besides, there was no one left to talk to, not since his wife’s death during that first attack almost twenty years before. Of all the quarter million refugees on his colony ship, not one had been a friend, and he’d made none since his arrival here on Greenfield. He never felt the lack. If you’d asked him to his face if his life was lonely, he wouldn’t have understood the question.
Only part of his mind was on his book. The rest was wondering how this alien-built dugout would fare through the coming cold season. He’d never lived underground before, but so far it was cozy enough, well-ventilated without being at all drafty. It was sturdily constructed with walls and floor of thick masonry bricks, cunningly shaped so that the whole could be fitted together without mortar.
The dugout had been completely burned out when he’d been assigned this parcel of land — a particle blast, they’d said, and who was he to say otherwise — but the walls were intact and the structure sound enough. So, after he’d given the former occupants a decent burial and cleaned the blackened bricks, he’d moved in. Gradually he’d re-roofed it, layered some gravel for drainage, and covered the whole thing over with fresh-cut sod. The dwelling was surprisingly pleasant, if cavelike, and had stayed nice and cool through even the hottest part of the summer.
He’d finished his dinner not long after nightfall. It was Sunday, which had meant beans and brown bread. There was no particular reason for this, just that his parents had eaten beans and brown bread on Sundays, so he did too. That was reason enough for him.
The fire gave plenty of light to read by, but it warmed him and he’d started dozing, just as he did every night. Soon he’d be off to bed. He stretched.
Two things happened at once: He heard a loud THOCK, and the wall to his right burst inward. There was suddenly a dark figure standing over him. He might have screamed, but afterward he had no recollection — just the… the thing, and then blackness. 
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Any Planets Magazine readers who are interested in supporting Gnerphk’s writing can donate directly <a href="https://www.patreon.com/gnerphk">at Patreon</a>.
As always, you can make <a href="http://paypal.me/PlanetsMag">a PayPal donation</a> to support the Planets Magazine, or click the button below to Buy Us A Coffee. It’s always a fun boost for our morale.
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